TeleManagementForum
[Evaluation Version 1.0, March 1999 ]

Network Management Detailed Operations Map
(Подробная операционная модель управления сетью) 

(Конспект)

TM Forum Approach Defined

The TM Forum approach is a holistic, business-driven approach to achieving OSS integration by building on the TMN model (the Telecommunications Management Network model produced by ITU-T). The goal of TM Forum is to make it possible for service providers and operators to provide services efficiently, using Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) software as much as possible – to become ‘ Smooth Operators’ in the best sense of the word. 

To that end, TM Forum provides investment direction as well as development specifications needed to produce management systems. It addresses the problem of business process automation and OSS integration in a holistic and pragmatic way. Specifically, TM Forum brings three essential elements to bear on the TMN layered model:

A business process-driven approach. The TM Forum approach starts from the premise that Service Provider and Network Operators need to automate their business processes, which means information needs to flow from end-to-end across many different systems. Only when a process is understood and the linkages are clear is it possible to apply standards in a way that delivers business value.

Technology-independent agreements. Business agreements about what information will flow between and within processes must be kept independent of the protocols used to implement those agreements. The approach documents all agreements in technology-neutral form, so that the same agreement can be implemented in multiple technologies as they continue to evolve.

Products, not just paper. A main premise of is that paper standards are not sufficient to solve business problems. Products, not paper, are the end goal, provided documentation is produced to support the replications of industry agreements across multiple vendors' products.

In order to address all three of these principles, the TM Forum approach consists of multiple components as shown in Figure P.1

High-level direction – a sense of ‘ which way is west’ to enable service providers and suppliers to make basic investment decisions about their business processes and technology choices. This direction takes the form of the Telecom Operations Map and companion documents, like the Network Management Detailed Operations Map, as well as the Technology Integration Map.

Specific agreements – precise requirements and the specifications of what information is to be exchanged between any two processes or systems, provided in technology-neutral form and accessible through the Central Information Facility. In addition, specifications for technology integration points are provided.

Catalyst projects – an environment in which to promote the integration of existing products, and to gain development experience to test the precepts of the ‘ Maps’ and the viability of specific information agreements.

Рис. Р.1. Подход форума к интеграции Системы поддержки операций (СПО)
(Operation Support System - OSS)